Not all passports are created equal, and not all citizenship paths are equally complex.
Some countries with easy citizenship let you apply through investment or descent with minimal red tape.
Others reward long-term residency with straightforward naturalization. A few offer a shortcut if you have a certain skill, speak a specific language, or are just willing to live there for a couple of years.
But actually, what’s “easy” depends on you.
Are you investing? Retiring? Tracing ancestry? Some programs are cheap but slow. Others are fast but expensive. And a few offer the easiest citizenship to get, if you know where to look and how to apply correctly.
Why People Are Seeking Second Citizenship in 2025
The rise in demand for easy countries to get citizenship is about access. Access to better healthcare, better schools, safer jurisdictions, more travel freedom, and lower taxes.
In a world where banking systems, visa rules, and political climates shift nonstop, a second passport is insurance.
Here’s what people are actually looking for in second citizenship today:
- Visa-free travel to Schengen, the UK, or Asia
- Plan B for political or economic instability
- Favorable tax regimes (especially for crypto or global income)
- Easier work and residency rights for digital nomad visa holders and remote professionals
- Citizenship for future generations (some programs are hereditary)
Citizenship-by-investment is only one route. Countries with ancestry-based claims or fast-track naturalization are seeing record applications. And with new Golden Visa regulations, economic migration programs, and diaspora laws opening up new doors in 2025, the need for a second passport is only growing.
What Makes a Country “Easy” to Get Citizenship?
There’s no universal formula, but several clear criteria define the easiest countries to get citizenship. It’s about how predictable, affordable, and accessible the process is based on your background.
Here’s what actually makes a country “easy for citizenship” in 2025:
- Short residency requirements: Some countries only require 2-5 years of legal stay.
- Low barriers for naturalization: No strict language or culture tests, minimal integration hurdles.
- Citizenship by ancestry: Some nations let you claim citizenship through grandparents, even great-grandparents.
- Economic citizenship programs: A few countries with easy citizenship offer direct investment options in return for a passport.
- Special programs for expats and nomads: Residency via remote work, retirement, or passive income can eventually lead to full citizenship.
List of Countries with Easiest Citizenship in 2025
The easiest citizenship to get depends on you: Do you want to invest? Do you have family roots? Are you willing to live abroad for a few years? This list can help you match those paths to the right countries.
Portugal
Portugal is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship in the EU, thanks to its short residency timeline and lenient physical presence requirements. Unlike most European countries, it allows naturalization in just five years, even if you’re not living there full time.
Portugal citizenship offers stability, mild weather, ocean access, and strong infrastructure. You get full Schengen Area access and a quality of life that is unmatched.
- Path: Naturalization via D7 visa, Golden Visa, or other residency permits
- Timeline: 5 years to apply for citizenship*
- Physical presence: Minimal (Golden Visa requires only 7 days/year)
- Language test: A2-level Portuguese (basic)
- Why it’s easy: Short timeline, flexible rules, EU passport
- Best for: Remote workers, retirees, investors, crypto holders
*The government has proposed a new law that could potentially prolong this period to 10 years.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu offers one of the fastest and most discreet citizenship by investment programs in the world. No residency, no language test, and approval usually happens in under two months. The process is handled offshore, making it appealing to privacy-conscious applicants.
- Path: Direct investment (starting at $130,000)
- Timeline: 6-8 weeks
- Physical presence: None
- Language test: None
- Why it’s easy: Ultra-fast, low paperwork
- Best for: Entrepreneurs, high-income nomads, offshore investors
Grenada
Grenada is a Caribbean country offering easy citizenship to get via investment. The passport provides visa-free access to China, Russia, and the EU, and also makes you eligible for the U.S. E-2 visa, a rare feature.
- Path: Investment donation or real estate
- Timeline: 4-6 months
- Physical presence: None required
- Language test: None
- Why it’s easy: Strong mobility, U.S. treaty access
- Best for: Investors targeting global mobility
Dominica
Dominica is one of the most affordable countries with easy citizenship by investment. The process is remote, fast, and efficient, with government backing and few complications. The passport includes access to the EU, UK, and many Commonwealth nations.
- Path: Investment starting at $200,000
- Timeline: 3-5 months
- Physical presence: Not required
- Language test: None
- Why it’s easy: Low cost, quick approval
- Best for: Budget-conscious investors, who want global access
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts is one of the pioneers in the economic citizenship programs and still runs one of the most efficient ones. It has no residency requirements and regularly offers limited-time discounts to attract applicants. The passport is respected and includes Schengen and UK access.
- Path: Donation or real estate investment
- Timeline: 3-6 months (faster with premium fee)
- Physical presence: None
- Language test: None
- Why it’s easy: Long-standing program, quick path
- Best for: Those seeking proven track records
Argentina
Argentina is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship through naturalization. You can apply after just two years of legal residency, and there’s no strict physical presence enforcement. The process isn’t fast, but the rules are in your favor if you stay long enough.
- Path: Naturalization after legal residency
- Timeline: 2 years
- Physical presence: Light enforcement
- Language test: Spanish proficiency expected, but loosely applied
- Why it’s easy: Short timeline, no investment
- Best for: Budget nomads, long-term expats
Turkey
Turkey offers both an investment route and a relatively smooth naturalization path for long-term residents. For investors, it’s one of the easiest citizenships to get in a G20 nation, and property prices remain competitive.
- Path: $400,000 real estate investment or 5 years residency
- Timeline: 3-6 months (investment) / 5 years (naturalization)
- Physical presence: Not required for investment route
- Language test: None for investors
- Why it’s easy: Dual path (residency or capital)
- Best for: Investors seeking a strategic regional base
Poland
If you have Polish ancestry, Poland offers one of the simplest citizenship by descent programs in Europe, no need to live there, and it can be passed down generationally. Without ancestry, it’s still a viable naturalization route through long-term EU residency.
- Path: Citizenship by descent or 3-10 years of residency
- Timeline: Varies; 12-18 months for descent
- Physical presence: None for ancestry claims
- Language test: None for descent
- Why it’s easy: Ancestry claims don’t require relocation
- Best for: Diaspora applicants, EU hopefuls
Antigua and Barbuda
Among countries with easy citizenship, Antigua offers a low-cost family package for investors. It has no stay requirement and regularly runs promotions for large families or joint applicants.
- Path: $230,000 donation or $400,000 in real estate
- Timeline: 3-5 months
- Physical presence: None (just 5 days every 5 years)
- Language test: None
- Why it’s easy: Family-friendly, flexible rules
- Best for: Families seeking affordable second passports
Ireland
Ireland offers one of the most generous citizenship by descent policies globally. If you have a grandparent born in Ireland, you qualify directly, no need to relocate or speak Irish. It’s also possible to naturalize after 5 years of residence, with a straightforward process.
- Path: Descent (parent/grandparent) or naturalization
- Timeline: Immediate (descent) or 5 years (residency)
- Physical presence: Required for naturalization
- Language test: None
- Why it’s easy: Broad ancestry eligibility, EU access
- Best for: Diaspora citizens, tech workers
Malta
Malta offers a pretty straightforward European citizenship by investment option under the MEIN program. While expensive, the process is transparent, backed by law, and results in an EU passport within 12-36 months.
- Path: Exceptional Investment Naturalization
- Timeline: 12-36 months
- Physical presence: 12-month minimum
- Language test: None
- Why it’s easy: Legal, direct EU citizenship
- Best for: High-net-worth individuals wanting guaranteed EU entry
Italy
Italy’s citizenship by descent rules are among the most favorable. There’s no generational limit; if you can prove an unbroken bloodline, you can apply, even without living in Italy. The naturalization path is slower, but descent is fast-tracked.
- Path: Descent or naturalization
- Timeline: Varies (12-24 months once submitted)
- Physical presence: Not needed for ancestry route
- Language test: None for descent
- Why it’s easy: Unlimited descent lineage accepted
- Best for: Italian-Americans, heritage seekers
Hungary
Hungary is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship by descent in, and it also offers a simplified process for ethnic Hungarians, even if they never lived in the country. Language is a factor, but the rules are clear.
- Path: Citizenship by ancestry or simplified naturalization
- Timeline: ~1 year for descent
- Physical presence: Not required for ancestry
- Language test: Basic Hungarian expected
- Why it’s easy: Fast for ethnic Hungarians, low bureaucracy
- Best for: Eastern European descendants, heritage-based applicants
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is one of the newer but most efficient Caribbean countries with easy citizenship through investment. It offers a streamlined online application system, competitive pricing, and visa-free access to over 140 countries.
- Path: Donation ($240,000+) or $300,000 in real estate
- Timeline: 3-5 months
- Physical presence: Not required
- Language test: None
- Why it’s easy: Digital process, low cost
- Best for: Solo investors, efficiency-seekers
Ecuador
Ecuador is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship in Latin America. After just 3 years of residency, you can apply for naturalization. The income requirement is low, and the process favors retirees and remote workers.
- Path: Residency-to-citizenship
- Timeline: 3 years
- Physical presence: At least 180 days/year
- Language test: Basic Spanish expected
- Why it’s easy: Low cost, short path, expat-friendly
- Best for: Retirees, long-term nomads
Spain
Spain isn’t the fastest, but for Latin Americans, Filipinos, and Sephardic Jews, it becomes one of the easiest countries to get citizenship, requiring only two years of residency. Everyone else needs ten, but the process is clearly structured. Spain also offers other residency paths, from student and work visas to a popular digital nomad visa.
- Path: Residency or ancestry
- Timeline: 2 years (for eligible nationalities), 10 for others
- Physical presence: Required
- Language test: Basic Spanish
- Why it’s easy: Reduced timeline for many nationalities
- Best for: Latin Americans, dual citizens of former colonies
Paraguay
Paraguay is the easiest country to get citizenship through naturalization. With just 3 years of legal residency, minimal bureaucracy, and no language test, it’s a quiet favorite among relocation strategists.
- Path: Naturalization after residency
- Timeline: 3 years
- Physical presence: Light enforcement
- Language test: None
- Why it’s easy: Simple laws, fast track, low cost
- Best for: Expats, early retirees, location-independent professionals
Canada
Canada isn’t “easy” in the fast-track sense, but it is one of the most structured and predictable countries for long-term immigration. If you’re willing to settle and meet residency rules, naturalization after 3 years of presence (within 5 years) is very doable.
- Path: Permanent residency > citizenship
- Timeline: 3 years of physical presence
- Physical presence: Strictly enforced
- Language test: English or French proficiency
- Why it’s easy: Transparent system, no corruption
- Best for: Skilled workers, families, students
Mexico
Mexico is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship for long-term residents. If you’re from a Latin American or Iberian country, the timeline drops to just 2 years. Residency is simple to obtain via income or property ownership.
- Path: Residency to citizenship
- Timeline: 5 years (2 for Latin/Iberian citizens)
- Physical presence: Moderate enforcement
- Language test: Spanish required
- Why it’s easy: Friendly residency, reduced timeline for many
- Best for: Retirees, Latin American expats, remote workers
Greece
Greece offers multiple routes to citizenship, including a Golden Visa (for residency) and a standard 7-year naturalization track. For those with Greek ancestry, you can often apply directly without ever residing in the country.
- Path: Ancestry, residency, or Golden Visa
- Timeline: 7 years (less for heritage claims)
- Physical presence: Required
- Language test: Basic Greek
- Why it’s easy: Ancestry path has no residency requirement
- Best for: Greeks abroad, investors, EU hopefuls
Panama
Panama is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship for digital nomads, investors, and retirees. It has multiple visa programs, including the Friendly Nations Visa, and you can apply for citizenship after just 5 years.
- Path: Friendly Nations Visa > permanent residency
- Timeline: 5 years to apply
- Physical presence: Lightly enforced
- Language test: Spanish interview, but flexible
- Why it’s easy: Business-friendly, low cost of entry
- Best for: Nomads, offshore entrepreneurs, crypto users
Montenegro
Montenegro previously offered a citizenship by investment program, which closed in 2022, but naturalization remains accessible. With only 5 years of permanent residency, and clear pathways via work or real estate, it’s still one of the easiest countries to get citizenship in the Balkans.
- Path: Residency to citizenship
- Timeline: 5 years
- Physical presence: Required
- Language test: Yes, but it’s very manageable
- Why it’s easy: Clear path, low cost of living
- Best for: Entrepreneurs, regional expats
Serbia
Serbia is becoming increasingly popular for relocation due to its visa flexibility and low-cost residency options. Citizenship is available after just 3 years of continuous legal residence, making it one of the easiest citizenships to get in Europe outside the EU.
- Path: Residency > citizenship
- Timeline: 3 years
- Physical presence: Enforced but flexible
- Language test: Basic Serbian
- Why it’s easy: Short timeline, open to self-employed expats
- Best for: Balkan-based nomads, freelancers, early retirees
Australia
Australia has a strict visa system but offers a clear, merit-based path to citizenship. After getting permanent residency, you can apply for citizenship in as little as 4 years, assuming 3 years of physical presence.
- Path: PR (skilled visa, partner visa, etc.) > citizenship
- Timeline: 4 years (3 years present)
- Physical presence: Strictly tracked
- Language test: None, but interview required
- Why it’s easy: Transparent system, high acceptance rate
- Best for: Skilled migrants, global professionals
Curaçao
As a Dutch constituent country, Curaçao offers one of the lesser-known but easy countries to get citizenship via long-term residency. You can apply for Dutch nationality after 5 years in Curaçao, without the pressure of moving to mainland Europe.
- Path: Residency > Dutch citizenship
- Timeline: 5 years
- Physical presence: Required
- Language test: Dutch or Papiamentu
- Why it’s easy: Dutch passport via tropical island stay
- Best for: Remote workers, Caribbean-bound nomads
Latvia
Latvia offers a clear path to citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency. While the language test can be a challenge, the Golden Visa and investor routes make residency relatively accessible, especially for non-EU nationals.
- Path: Residency > citizenship
- Timeline: 5 years of PR + 5 total
- Physical presence: Required
- Language test: Latvian required
- Why it’s easy: Investor-friendly, affordable EU base
- Best for: Investors, Eastern European expats
Finland
Finland has strict requirements, but it remains one of the easiest countries to get citizenship in the Nordics thanks to its clear rules and timeline. If you reside for 5 years legally and continuously, you’re eligible to apply.
- Path: Residency > citizenship
- Timeline: 5 years (4 if married to Finn)
- Physical presence: Continuity required
- Language test: Finnish or Swedish at basic level
- Why it’s easy: Transparent, stable, efficient processing
- Best for: Families, skilled professionals, students
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic allows naturalization after just 2 years of residency. It’s one of the easiest citizenships to get in the Caribbean if you don’t want to pursue an investment-based program. Cost of living and taxes are also favorable.
- Path: Residency to citizenship
- Timeline: 2 years
- Physical presence: Light enforcement
- Language test: Basic Spanish expected
- Why it’s easy: Fast timeline, low cost
- Best for: Retirees, digital nomads, second home seekers
United Kingdom
The UK’s naturalization system is slower, but predictable. After 5 years of residency and one additional year of permanent status, you’re eligible to apply. Ancestry visas and skilled worker paths provide good entry points.
- Path: Residency + Indefinite Leave > citizenship
- Timeline: 6 years
- Physical presence: Strongly enforced
- Language test: English and Life in the UK test
- Why it’s easy: Rule-based, ancestry options
- Best for: Commonwealth citizens, skilled workers
Armenia
Armenia offers a fast-track naturalization process and is one of the few countries where dual citizenship is fully recognized. Citizenship can be granted in less than 3 years of residency, and ancestry or marriage can speed up the process even more.
- Path: Residency, marriage, or descent
- Timeline: 3 years (often less for ancestry or special contributions)
- Physical presence: Light
- Language test: Armenian language interview
- Why it’s easy: Flexible routes, fast approval
- Best for: Diaspora Armenians, long-term residents
Sweden
Sweden offers one of the easiest citizenships to get in Scandinavia if you meet the criteria: a stable legal residence for 5 years and a clean record. The process is automated, with minimal paperwork or interviews.
- Path: Legal residency > naturalization
- Timeline: 5 years
- Physical presence: Must reside continuously
- Language test: None (language bill is proposed but not yet law)
- Why it’s easy: Structured, reliable process
- Best for: Skilled migrants, students, long-term EU residents
Austria
Austria is not known for being easy, except if you’re eligible through citizenship by descent. The naturalization path is restrictive, but for those with Austrian ancestry (even one grandparent), the process is well-defined and doesn’t require residency.
- Path: Citizenship by descent (Restitution Law)
- Timeline: ~12 months
- Physical presence: Not required for ancestry
- Language test: None for descent route
- Why it’s easy: Only for eligible heritage claims
- Best for: Descendants of Austrians, especially Holocaust-era emigrants
Cyprus
Cyprus ended its fast-track investment program in 2020, but the naturalization path still qualifies it among easy countries to get citizenship for long-term residents. After 5-7 years of residency (or 3 for Cypriot heritage), you can apply for full EU citizenship.
- Path: Residency > citizenship
- Timeline: 5-7 years
- Physical presence: Required
- Language test: Basic Greek expected
- Why it’s easy: Transparent for long-term residents
- Best for: Retirees, entrepreneurs, Cypriot diaspora
Switzerland
Switzerland is highly selective, but if you meet the requirements, the process is systematic. Citizenship is available after 10 years of legal residency (with time under 21 counting double), and some cantons allow earlier naturalization.
- Path: Long-term residency > naturalization
- Timeline: 10 years (some canton exceptions)
- Physical presence: Required
- Language test: Local language fluency required
- Why it’s easy: Transparent but demanding
- Best for: Long-term residents, skilled professionals
Germany
Germany recently updated its rules to make citizenship more accessible. In 2024, the timeline dropped to 5 years for standard applicants, and just 3 years for exceptional integration (language, employment, civic participation).
- Path: Legal residency > citizenship
- Timeline: 5 years (or 3 with strong integration)
- Physical presence: Strongly enforced
- Language test: B1 German + civics test
- Why it’s easy: Predictable and improving
- Best for: EU professionals, students, young families
New Zealand
New Zealand offers one of the easiest citizenships to get in the developed world if you commit to living there. The country requires just 5 years of residency with a basic English test and strong ties to the country.
- Path: Residency > citizenship
- Timeline: 5 years
- Physical presence: Must spend 240+ days/year
- Language test: Basic English
- Why it’s easy: Simple process, great quality of life
- Best for: Nature-lovers, families, entrepreneurs
Luxembourg
Luxembourg has become one of the easiest countries to get citizenship in the EU, especially for descendants of Luxembourgers. Even without ancestry, naturalization is possible in 5 years with only 1 year of active residence.
- Path: Naturalization or ancestry
- Timeline: 5 years (only 1 year physically present)
- Physical presence: Minimal (last 12 months must be in-country)
- Language test: Basic Luxembourgish
- Why it’s easy: Generous descent program, fast EU entry
- Best for: Diaspora applicants, EU-focused expats
Belize
Belize offers one of the most relaxed naturalization systems in Central America. Citizenship is available after just 5 years of legal residence, and there’s no formal language or civics test. English is the official language, which simplifies the process for many expats.
- Path: Residency > citizenship
- Timeline: 5 years
- Physical presence: Loosely enforced
- Language test: None
- Why it’s easy: English-speaking, low bureaucracy
- Best for: U.S. expats, digital nomads, retirees
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for its peaceful lifestyle and accessible immigration. After 7 years of residency, you can apply for citizenship. While not the fastest, it’s among the easiest countries to get citizenship for long-term residents due to its simplicity and stability.
- Path: Residency > citizenship
- Timeline: 7 years
- Physical presence: Moderate presence expected
- Language test: Basic Spanish
- Why it’s easy: Welcoming to foreigners, minimal red tape
- Best for: Eco-minded expats, families, retirees
Lithuania
Lithuania offers citizenship by descent for people with Lithuanian ancestry, going back to great-grandparents in some cases. The process is relatively fast, doesn’t require relocation, and grants full EU access.
- Path: Citizenship by descent
- Timeline: 12-18 months
- Physical presence: Not required
- Language test: None
- Why it’s easy: Heritage-based EU citizenship
- Best for: Diaspora Lithuanians, EU-access seekers
Singapore
Singapore has no quick citizenship path, but for long-term PRs who contribute economically, it’s one of the more reliable systems in Asia. After two years of permanent residency, applicants can apply for naturalization, though approval is selective.
- Path: PR > citizenship
- Timeline: Minimum 2 years (typically longer in practice)
- Physical presence: Strongly enforced
- Language test: None, but application is highly scrutinized
- Why it’s easy: If eligible, the process is clean and efficient
- Best for: High earners, skilled professionals, business owners
United Arab Emirates
The UAE has opened limited pathways to citizenship for select foreigners: investors, scientists, and those contributing to national development. It’s not broadly accessible, but for those eligible, it’s among the easiest citizenships to get in the Gulf region.
- Path: Nomination by UAE government (investors, talent)
- Timeline: Variable, invite-only
- Physical presence: Required
- Language test: None
- Why it’s easy: Fast-track for qualified applicants
- Best for: Doctors, inventors, scientists
Slovakia
Slovakia offers a path to citizenship through ancestry and long-term residence. While naturalization requires 8 years, Slovak heritage applicants can often skip residency and get citizenship directly.
- Path: Descent or 8 years residency
- Timeline: ~12 months for ancestry, 8 years otherwise
- Physical presence: Required for the residency route
- Language test: Basic Slovak
- Why it’s easy: Ancestry route bypasses residency
- Best for: Slovak-Americans, long-term EU residents
So What’s the Smartest Choice in 2025?
A second passport in 2025 should provide flexibility, legal stability, and long-term value. A lot of countries make it possible to get citizenship quickly. But very few make it worth it.
Programs like those in the Caribbean are fast, but they don’t give you the right to live or work in Europe, only short-term visa-free access. Latin American countries are accessible, but not all offer strong global mobility. Ancestry programs are excellent, but you have to qualify.
For everyone else?
Portugal is the best choice. It offers an EU passport, a 5-year timeline, minimal relocation, and predictable legal paths.. You don’t have to choose between ease and quality, Portugal gives you both.
If you’re serious about planting a second flag, that’s the one to watch.
Bitizenship: A Clear Path to Portugal Citizenship
At Bitizenship, we work with clients aiming for Portugal residency through the Golden Visa program.
We focus on one path, investment via the Unbound Fund, a fully qualifying fund under current rules, and handle everything from the moment you decide to apply.
That includes structuring your investment, preparing and submitting immigration documents, and coordinating with trusted Portuguese lawyers and tax professionals. We stay with you through the full process of gaining residence through investment.
A lot of our clients come to us after starting with the digital nomad visa and realizing they want something with fewer commitments. If that’s where you are now, we can help you get residence in Portugal, and after 5-10 years, you’ll be eligible for citizenship.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single answer to “What’s the easiest country to get citizenship?” because it depends on you.
Your ancestry, lifestyle, investment capacity, and time all shape your best option. If you want speed and minimal hassle, Caribbean countries like Dominica or Saint Lucia deliver. If your roots trace to Italy, Poland, or Ireland, you may already be eligible for a passport.
And if you want minimal stay requirements, full Schengen Area access, and new pace of life, Portugal is the way to go.
2025 is the year to get a second passport, so start getting the paperwork ready.
